The song "High Flyer" by UFO is a melodic rock tune that reflects on the desire for freedom, the passing of time, and reminiscing about youthful dreams. The lyrics tell the tale of someone feeling distant and disconnected from the world, as if they are far out at sea. They watch ships go by every night, symbolizing the passing of opportunities or experiences that they can only observe from afar. The protagonist compares their dreams and desires to being boyish, suggesting a sense of innocence and longing. The person they address in the song is portrayed as their muse, with whom they associate every melody and the freedom of the ocean tides. This individual seems to represent inspiration and escape. Despite the constant passing of time, the protagonist feels trapped, unable to catch up with the ever-quickening pace of life. The reference to "One weekend and a photograph" indicates that they have only briefly met with their muse and possess just a picture to hold onto as a reminder of their dreams. The lyrics also mention rock and rollers drifting by, possibly indicating that the protagonist sees others who have succeeded in pursuing their dreams, while they remain anchored in their own longing. The song conveys a sense of yearning and bittersweet nostalgia for the dreams that seem out of reach. Overall, "High Flyer" explores themes of longing, missed opportunities, and the desire for freedom and fulfillment, capturing the emotions of someone looking back at their boyhood dreams while feeling detached from reality.
